Golf – Irish Open:Pádraig Harrington put in a storming final day performance at the 3 Irish Open but all his efforts were in vain as the resurgent Ross Fisher closed out the €3million tournament with great composure at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club.
After three days of struggling to find fairways, Harrington was a completely different animal today and muscled his way into contention with a bogey-free final round 64 to set the clubhouse target of 16 under 268 before finishing second outright.
It turned out to be two shots too many as Fisher, who shot a record 61 earlier in the week then lost his way a little, shot a final round 65 for an 18 under 266 winning aggregate.
“It feels great to come out on top from such a world class field,” said a delighted Fisher after the round. “This is what we play for; to give ourselves the chance of winning golf tournaments and I’m no different.”
Fisher was glad to have a cushion playing the treacherous 18th hole. “I knew Pádraig was making a move so that par putt on 17 was huge to give me a two-shot cushion. From there I just played a five iron off the tee and a nice six iron onto the green.”
Fisher collected the €500,000 winner's cheque and is a welcome boost to his Ryder Cup chances. Harrington's €330,330 earnings will also do his chances of making it to Celtic Manor in October the power of good.
Spain's Fernando Castano-Gonzalez (68) and Chris Wood (66) tied for third on 14 under.
Harrington gave himself birdies chances on virtually every hole on the front nine and converted at the second, third, seventh and eighth to turn in 31. There were also a couple of miracle par saves in there too.
After a mid-round wobble the 2007 champion kicked into life with a 20 foot birdie effort at the 15th and followed it up with an eagle at the par five 16th.
Though the three-time major could only manage two closing pars, he was like the Pied Piper as the bulging crowds (26,000 approx) willed home his every putt.
Harrington was magnanimous in defeat and is looking forward to a busy couple of weeks across the Atlantic.
“I have no complaints as I went out there with a 65 in mind but fair play to Ross he has done very well; that was a hell of a score when everyone else was chasing him,” said Harrington.
“I’m happy with my form at the moment. My short game has been great and the long game worked today. I just need to let it happen more often on the golf course.
“I won’t go away from here thinking I’ve lost a tournament, Ross has won this well.”
It’s a welcome return to form for Harrington who packs his bags for the States with a couple of big weeks starting at the WGC - Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone in Akron, Ohio followed by the USPGA at Whistling Straits.
Scoring was excellent in benign conditions in the Kingdom with Michael Hoey another to make progress. The Belfast pro finished seventh after a closing 67 left him 11 under.
Darren Clarke started with a bogey and closed with two more but still signed for a 69 to end the week on eight under, one better than Paul McGinley (70).
“Overall it’s been a good week and I can take a lot of positives from it even though the finish was a little disappointing,” said Clarke, who said Killarney was the winner this week.
“The venue is fantastic, all the players love it and I hope they decide to keep the Irish Open here for a few more years to come.”
In McGinley’s case he too was slightly disappointed with the back nine and was just outside the top 10, but it was still his highest finish of an injury interrupted season.
"I’m a little disappointed with the back nine as I didn’t hit a bad shot but still finished two over,” noted McGinley, who also enjoyed the week.
“It’s been a great week, great venue, great town and a great Irish Open, which is now back where it belongs. The Guinness isn’t too bad either.
“I enjoyed getting back into contention. I feel great and can’t wait to get going again for the rest of the season after being out with knee problems for almost five months.
“I’ll be glad to leave the rubbish (golf) behind me and start playing some good stuff again,” added the new Ryder Cup vice captain.
Defending champion Shane Lowry ended his week with a 72 to be five under. The Clara golfer said he felt the pressure at the start of the week but eased himself into the tournament as the week went on.
“I’m a bit disappointed the way I finished today because I felt I had a good score in me” said Lowry. “It was a tough start to the week and I’m happy the way I came back.
“My form is good and I know I’m getting close, who knows what will happen when I put four rounds together. I’ve realised now that I am good enough to belong out here and I’m learning all the time.”
US Open champion Graeme McDowell closed with a 71 to finish three under, one better than Rory McIlroy (71) and Damien McGrane (70).
Ulster PGA champion Barrie Trainor improved from yesterday's 77 with a closing 71 to finish the week six over.
Irish scores (Par 71)
Winner: -18 Ross Fisher
-16Pádraig Harrington
-11Michael Hoey
-8Darren Clarke
-7Paul McGinley
-5Shane Lowry
-3Graeme McDowell
-2Rory McIlroy, Damien McGrane
+6Barrie Trainor